Woman laws at Sierra Leone
Here’s a clear and current overview of women’s legal rights and protections in Sierra Leone:
1. Foundational Rights & Legal Framework
CEDAW Ratified: Sierra Leone has ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), though not its Optional Protocol or the Maputo Protocol.
Constitutional Promises: The Constitution mandates equal rights and directs the government to enact policies protecting vulnerable groups, including women.
2. Landmark Gender Laws (2007 Onwards)
In 2007, Sierra Leone passed three pivotal laws:
Domestic Violence Act – Criminalizes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence. Provides free medical service access and criminal penalties for forcibly ejecting women from homes.
Registration of Customary Marriage & Divorce Act – Sets minimum marriage age at 18, mandates mutual consent and registration, and grants women rights to own property independently.
Devolution of Estates Act – Ensures widows inherit property equally and penalties apply if widows are expelled from homes.
3. Advancements in Women's Equality (2023–2024)
Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment Act (2023): This landmark law mandates that women occupy at least 30% of roles in public and private sectors, entitles them to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, guarantees fair access to credit, and enforces equal pay with measurable enforcement in case of violations.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024): Makes child marriage a criminal offense, punishable by up to 15 years in prison or fines, targeting participants and facilitators.
4. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Protection
Sexual Offences Act (2012, amended 2019): Modernized laws to strongly protect women and children. Clarifies consent, penalizes out-of-court settlements, increases punishments—e.g., life sentences for child sexual abuse—and covers a broader spectrum of SGBV.
Enforcement Challenges: Despite legal protections, many women—especially in rural regions—lack awareness of their rights, cannot afford medical reports and legal fees, and face societal discouragement in reporting cases. Police often favor resolving issues privately, limiting access to justice.
5. Reproductive Rights & Abortion Law
Current Status: Abortion is illegal under all circumstances per colonial-era law. This has driven many women into unsafe practices, contributing to high maternal mortality.
Safe Motherhood & Reproductive Health Care Bill (2024): Proposes to legalize abortion up to 14 weeks, and beyond in cases involving rape, incest, health risks, or fetal abnormalities. The bill has been met with strong opposition from religious groups and is navigating contentious debate in parliament.
6. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM prevalence remains alarmingly high—around 89.6%—often tied to initiation rites. While initiation-related FGM was criminalized in 2019, FGM outside these contexts is still legal.
Rwanda-based activist Rugiatu Turay, founder of the Amazonian Initiative Movement, leads efforts to end FGM practices.
7. Implementation & Awareness Initiatives
Community Education Programs: The NGO 50/50 Group translated major gender-related laws into Sierra Leone’s four main languages. They partnered with religious and traditional leaders to broadcast radio messages educating women on their rights.
Persistent Obstacles: Economic dependence, social stigma, under-resourced courts, and preference for customary dispute resolution hinder effective access to justice.
Summary Table
| Domain | Status in Sierra Leone |
|---|---|
| Equality Framework | CEDAW ratified; constitutional mandates for women's protection |
| Marriage & Property Rights | Legal age set, consent required, inheritance protections in place |
| Workplace Rights | 2023 law: 30% quotas, maternity leave, equal pay, credit access |
| SGBV Protections | Laws exist, but enforcement and access remain weak |
| Reproductive Rights | Abortion illegal; reform bill advancing amid controversy |
| FGM | Initiation FGM banned; other forms still legal |
| Awareness & Education | Community-based campaigns increasing awareness; enforcement lags |
Bottom Line
Sierra Leone has taken bold legislative steps to uplift women's rights—from property and inheritance to employment quotas and protections against violence. Yet, significant challenges remain in enforcement and social change. The ongoing debates around abortion and FGM reflect the tension between progressive reform and entrenched cultural norms.
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